Contoured And Chambered Hair Styling Device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a hair styling device and its employment in a specific styling method. The device comprises an elastomeric block having an elliptically-shaped substantially smooth top surface, a patterned, sculptured and textured bottom surface, and a continuous side panel integrally connected to the edges of both the top surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface is further constructed with parallel V-shaped channels and a plurality of regularly-spaced circular chambers, the chambers being orthogonal to the bottom surface. The device is used by placing the bottom-located channels and chambers against sections of hair while simultaneously using varying pressure and rotary movement of the bottom surface upon the hair. In this manner the hair may be styled into a multiplicity of twists or spirals.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/334,795 filed on May 11, 2016, which provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention

The inventive concept is involved with devices and professional accessories used by hair stylists and barbers.

(2) Description of the Related Art, including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 .and 1.98.

U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/334,795 filed on May 11, 2016 by the current inventor, describes an elastomeric sponge block having a relative smooth, semi-rigid top surface and an elastomeric bottom surface constructed of regularly-spaced circular chambers and groupings of V-shaped channels.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,198,050 (April 03, 2007) discloses a method for hair styling incorporating the use of a handheld device. The device is intended for sculpting hair and includes a pliable member having a substantially smooth bottom surface. A plurality of spaced-apart bores is disposed in the bottom surface. When the handheld device is placed against a person's head, the pliable member at least partially deforms to conform to the shape of the person's head. By repeatedly pulling the bottom surface of the pliable member across the hair tangentially to the surface of the person's scalp, the plurality of spaced-apart bores disposed in the bottom surface cause clumps of hair to be formed at substantially regular intervals that are a function of the distance between ones of the spaced-apart bores.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,565 issued on Dec. 04, 2001 to Girardot et al. The invention discloses an applicator for applying and distributing a substance onto a target surface. The applicator comprises a substantially planar sheet of compressible, conformable material having opposed first and second surfaces and an interior region. The interior region decreases in volume when subjected to an externally-applied force. The applicator further includes at least one discrete reservoir extending inwardly of the first surface into the interior, is partially filled with a substance and at least one discrete aperture in the first surface in fluid communication with the reservoir. Compression of the first surface expresses product from the aperture and translational motion of the first surface relative to a target surface applies and distributes the product onto the target. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of apertures is associated with corresponding reservoirs. A hand-held applicator, which is preferably resilient both in compression and in bending to conform to irregular target surfaces may be used with the invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,943,365 issued on Jan. 16, 1934 to Borden, discloses an improvement to band-held sponge rubber devices, which features a plurality of spaced open ducts. The preferred embodiment comprises a sponge-rubber lathering and washing appliance, further comprising two sponge-rubber boards, superposed one on the other and secured together, at least one being a split of a sponge rubber slab and at least one having skin on its abutting face, said device having distributed over substantially its entire area a plurality of spaced -normally open ducts extending entirely through it transversely of its abutting lace skin whereby the sponge cells adjacent thereto are freely vented.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive concept disclosed sets forth a device for conducting a specific method of styling hair. The subject device is essentially an elastomeric block having an elliptically-shaped, substantially smooth top surface, a patterned, sculptured and textured bottom surface, and a continuous side panel integrally connected to the edges of both the top surface and the bottom surface.

The device is referred to in this document as an “elastomeric block” 1. FIG 5 depicts a perspective view of the elastomeric block 1 with the bottom surface facing upward in the drawing. The bottom surface is constructed with two groupings of parallel, V-shaped channels and a plurality of regularly-spaced circular chambers drilled perpendicularly into said bottom surface.

The elastomeric block 1 is used by a hair stylist or barber to produce a uniquely-designed hairstyle featuring multiple sections of hair twists or spirals. The hair stylist grasps the top surface of the device and places the channels and chambers of the bottom surface into direct contact with strands of hair. Simultaneously with the initiation of the contact, the hair stylist uses varying pressure and-directions of movement of the bottom surface against the hair. In this manner the hair may be styled into a multiplicity of twists, spirals, or twined segments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG 1 depicts a schematic plan view of the bottom surface of the elastomeric block 1 showing the main channels, cross-channels, and circular chambers.

FIG 2 presents a schematic cross-sectional view of the elastomeric block 1 as seen from section lines 2-2.

FIG 3 presents a schematic cross-sectional view of the elastomeric block 1 as seen from section lines 3-3.

FIG 4 a perspective view of the bottom surface 4 elastomeric block 1.

FIG 5 shows the top surface 3 of the elastomeric block 1.

FIG. 6 shows the general layout and positioning of the circular chambers on the bottom surface of the elastomeric block; twenty-two of which are labeled.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a photograph of the actual elastomeric block 1 as used in commerce.

Nomenclature for Invention Components 1. Elastomeric block 2. Side 3. Top surface 4. Bottom surface 5.-10. n/a 11. Longitudinal axis 12. Upper edge 13. Bottom edge 14.-20. n/a 21. First main-channel 22. Second main-channel 23. Third main-channel 24. Fourth main-channel 25. Fifth main-channel 26. Sixth main-channel 27. Seventh main-channel 28. Eighth main-channel 29. Ninth main-channel 30. First cross-channel 31. Second cross-channel 32. Third cross-channel 33. Fourth cross-channel 34. Fifth cross-channel 35. Sixth cross-channel 36. Seventh cross-channel 37. Eighth cross-channel 38. Ninth cross-channel 39.-69. n/a 70. First column lower chamber 71. First column, upper chamber 72. Second column 1^(st) chamber 73. Second column, 2^(nd) chamber 74. Second column, 3rd chamber 75. Second col, 4th chamber 76. Third column, 1^(st) chamber 77. Third column, 2^(nd) chamber 79. Third column, 4^(th) chamber 80. Third column, 5^(th) chamber 81. Fourth column, 1^(st) chamber 85. Fourth column, 5^(th) chamber 86. Fifth column, 1^(st) chamber 90. Fifth column, 5^(th) chamber 91. Sixth column, 1^(st) chamber 95. Sixth column, 5^(th) chamber 96. Seventh col, 1^(st) chamber 97. Seventh col. 2^(nd) chamber 98. Seventh col. 3^(rd) chamber 99. Seventh col. 4^(th) chamber 100. Eighth col. 1^(st) chamber 101. Eighth col. 2^(nd) chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling seven (7) figures, show the basic components and functions of the preferred embodiment. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures.

A general perspective view of the bottom surface of the elastomeric block 1 is shown in FIG. 4 and also in FIG. 1. As can be seen, the bottom surface is essentially an elliptically-shaped contour which is jaggedly-patterned, sculptured and textured. There is a continuous side panel 2 which is integrally connected to the edges 12 of the top surface and the edge 13 of the bottom surface 4. The side panel 2 is of a denser, more rigid material than the bottom surface 4 of the elastomeric block 1.

FIG. 1 presents a schematic plan view of the bottom, surface 4 of the elastomeric block 1 showing a grouping of parallel main channels (not numerically referenced, due to lack of space), a grouping of cross-channels (not numerically referenced, due to lack of space), and a plurality of circular chambers 70-101 (not all chambers are labeled in FIG. 1, due to space constraints).

In the preferred embodiment, there is a total of thirty-two (32) circular chambers. For illustrative purposes, a few of the circular chambers 70, 74,75, 76, 100, and 101 are labeled as indicated in FIG. 1. The totality of the circular chambers 70-101 of the elastomeric block 1 (not all chambers labeled in FIG. 1) are arrayed in eight columns, said columns oriented vertically with reference to the top of Sheet 1/3. Further, the first column is designated as being the rightmost column in FIG. 1, and contains circular chambers #70 and immediately above it, circular chamber 71 (not labeled). The eighth column, is the leftmost vertical, column of circular chambers, and contains circular chambers # 100 and 101.

Because of the extremely limited space in FIG. 1, the only circular chambers labeled in FIG. 1 include the first column lower chamber 70, second column 3rd chamber, 74, second column 4th chamber 75, third column 1^(st) chamber 76, eighth col 1^(st) chamber 100, and the eighth col. 2^(nd) chamber 101. This serves to give a representation of the method of designation of the thirty-two circular chambers-of the preferred embodiment of the elastomeric block 1.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 7 further show that the bottom surface 4 is characterized by nine (9) V-shaped main-channels 21-29, which channels are parallel to each other and oriented on the bottom surface 4 at an approximate 45 degree right angle to the longitudinal axis 11 of the elastomeric block 1 when viewing the elastomeric block 1 bottom surface 4 from a direct plan view. Further, there are nine (9) V-shaped cross-channels 30-38 (shown in FIG. 1) which are oriented on the bottom surface 4 at an approximate 45 degree left angle to the longitudinal axis 11 of the elastomeric block 1 when viewing the elastomeric block 1 bottom surface 4 from a direct plan view.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the elastomeric block 1 as seen from section line 2-2 of FIG. 1. Portions of the walls of the V-shaped spacing in main channels 21-29 are visible in this view. The view presented in FIG. 2 is also more readily understood by reference to FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, from left to right, the interiors of the third circular chamber of the sixth column 93, the third circular chamber of the fifth column 88, the third circular chamber of the fourth column 81, and the third circular chamber of the third column 78, are visible.

The aforementioned numbered circular chambers must be deduced from the presentation of numbered circular chambers generally around the periphery of the bottom surface 4 shown in FIG. 6. Due to space constraints, not all circular chambers that are in view in FIG. 6 are labeled.

FIG. 3 presents a cross-sectional view of the elastomeric block 1 as seen from section line 3-3 of FIG. 1, which section line 3-3 is oriented perpendicularly with reference to cross channels 31-38. From the view of FIG. 3, the V-shaped profiles of the cross channels 31-38 are seen. Section line 3-3 also exposes the interior of the third circular chamber 74 of the second column.

FIG. 4 shows a general perspective vie w of the bottom surface 4 elastomeric block 1. A photographic presentation of the bottom surface 4 of the elastomeric block 1 is illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 5 shows the top surface 3 of the elastomeric block 1. The top surface 3 is constructed of a firmer, or more rigid, material than the bottom surface 4 of the elastomeric block 1.

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic plan view of the bottom surface 4 of the elastomeric block 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom surface 4 is constructed with eight (8) columns of circular vertical chambers (70-101, all of which are not labeled) fabricated into said bottom surface 4. The depth of the circular chambers 70-101 does not extend to the top surface 3 of the elastomeric block 1. The circular chambers 70-101 are oriented perpendicularly to both the bottom surface 4 and the top surface 3 at a vertical depth of approximately one-half the distance between the bottom surface 4 and the top surface 3.

In FIG. 6, it is seen that portions of the surface circumferences of said chambers 70-101 intersect a plurality of the main-channels 21-29 (not labeled) and cross-channels 30-38 (not labeled) at irregular locations along the bottom surface 4 of the elastomeric block 1.

FIG. 7 is a reproduction of a photograph of the actual elastomeric block 1 as used in commercial service. The pattern of the V-shaped channels 21-38 (not labeled) can be seen. Several of the circular chambers 70-101 (not labeled) are visible, interspersed with the array of V-shaped channels.

A hair stylist or other user of the elastomeric block 1 performs a styling of hair by the steps of

a) ensuring that the hair of an imminent customer, or of a wig, is free of any styling liquid or other substances;

b) Grasping the elastomeric block 1 simultaneously by the side 2 and top surface 3 while orienting the elastomeric block 1 such that said bottom surface 4 is immediately adjacent to the hair of a customer;

c) placing the bottom surface 4 of said elastomeric block 1 against a section of strands of the customer's hair;

d) applying a series of generally planar or circular twisting motions of the bottom surface 4 against the customer's hair. The bottom surface 4 of the elastomeric block 1 may flex slightly during this step. Additionally, the aforementioned twisting motions may approximately correspond to the general shape of a customer's head;

e) circularly rubbing the bottom surface 4 of said elastomeric block 1 across the sections of hair, thereby causing the main-channels 21-29 and cross-channels 30-38 to tunnel sections of hair strands into the circular chambers 70-101. This rubbing motion serves to create spiraling twists within the circular chambers 70-101. As necessary, the stylist or user repeats steps b) through e) to create a substantial plurality of sections of hair twists and spirals.

While preferred embodiments of the present inventive concept have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, or in combination with features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, and limited only by the scope of the claims presented herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for styling hair, comprising an elastomeric block having an elliptically shaped contour, a substantially smooth semi-rigid top surface, a jaggedly-patterned, sculptured textured bottom surface, a continuous side panel which connects the edges of both the top surface and the bottom surface; and further, said bottom surface contains nine V-shaped main-channels, nine V-shaped cross-channels, and a plurality of chambers orthogonal to the bottom surface.
 2. A device for styling hair, comprising an elastomeric block having an elliptically-shaped contour, substantially smooth top surface, a jaggedly-patterned, sculptured elliptically-shaped textured bottom surface, and a continuous side panel, said side panel being integrally connected to the edges of both the top surface and the bottom surface; wherein the bottom surface contains nine (9) V-shaped main-channels, said main-channels being parallel to each other and oriented on the bottom surface at an approximate 45 degree right angle to the longitudinal axis of the elastomeric block when viewing the block bottom surface from a direct plan view; further said bottom surface further manifests nine (9) V-shaped cross-channels, said cross-channels being oriented on the bottom surface at an approximate 45 degree left angle to the longitudinal axis of the block when viewing the block bottom surface from a direct plan view; further said bottom surface being constructed with a plurality of rows of circular chambers oriented perpendicularly to the bottom surface, said chambers being orthogonal to both the bottom surface and the top surface and having a vertical depth approximately one-half the distance between the bottom surface and the top surface, the outer circumferences of said chambers intersecting said main-channels and cross-channels at irregular locations along the bottom surface of the elastomeric block.
 3. A method of styling hair into a plurality of sections of twists and/or spirals, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing an elastomeric block having an elliptically-shaped, substantially smooth top surface, a jaggedly-patterned, sculptured, elliptically-shaped textured bottom surface, and a continuous side panel, said side panel being integrally connected to the edges of both the top surface and the bottom surface; wherein i) the bottom surface contains nine (9) V-shaped main-channels, said main-channels being parallel to each other and oriented on the bottom surface at an approximate 45 degree right angle to the longitudinal axis of the elastomeric block when viewing the block bottom surface from a direct plan view; further ii) said bottom surface further manifests nine (9) V-shaped cross-channels, said cross-channels being oriented on the bottom surface at an approximate 45 degree left angle to the longitudinal axis of the block when viewing the block bottom surface from a direct plan view; further iii) said bottom surface being constructed with a plurality of rows of circular chambers drilled perpendicularly into said bottom surface, said chambers being orthogonal to both the bottom surface and the top surface and having a vertical depth approximately one-half the distance between the bottom surface and the top surface, the outer circumferences of said chambers intersecting said main-channels and cross-channels at irregular locations along the bottom surface of the elastomeric block; further b) ensuring that the hair of an imminent customer is free of any styling liquid or other substances; c) grasping the elastomeric block by the side and top surface and orienting said elastomeric block such that said bottom surface is immediately adjacent to the hair of the customer; d) placing the bottom surface of said elastomeric block against a section of hairs on the customer's head; e) applying a series of twisting motions of the bottom surface onto the customer's hair, slightly flexing the bottom surface such that said twisting motions approximately conform to the general shape of the customer's head; f) rubbing the bottom surface of said elastomeric block across the customer's hair to such a depth as to cause the main-channels and cross-channels to funnel strands of hair into said circular chambers, thereby creating spiral twists; and g) repeating steps c) through f) above until the desired hairstyle is accomplished. 